The African Women’s Council of Australia was officially launched on 19 March 2010 by her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Its members are agents of change who are committed to promoting economic, social, cultural and political empowerment of women and girls.

We are harnessing the power of women and provide them with a national voice as well as a platform to consolidate their action.

African women come from diverse African communities and traditions representing an extraordinary richness of experience, understanding and knowledge. They are role models, who showcase a breadth of African women’s achievements, strength and their commitment to fight for gender equality. The Council is establishing strategic relationships with relevant Government bodies to enable it to speak directly to the heart of Government on vital issues concerning African women, children and youth. Resilient communities can only exist where women are playing a full and active part.

AWCoA is a platform that gives the silent majority a voice and makes it easier for more empowered, confident African women to play a part. Already, African women are raising awareness of emerging issues of concern such as: ‘the African parents’ perception of the child protection system in Australia.; the African youth engagement with the criminal justice system; unemployment and its impact on mental health; experiences of African children in schools; increasing number of African girl-mothers (young parents) and appropriate intervention processes, domestic violence, and exclusion in society.

The Council highlights pressing issues, priorities and some of the work being carried out in communities. It encourages local authorities, NGOs, Government agencies and businesses to consider what they can do to help African women overcome barriers to participation and greater empowerment in our community.

The Council objectives will be achieved with your support. – Thank you.